Chapter Two: Port Noble Polling
Briefing
Somehow the Warriors knew what Tunnel Rat had found. Or they thought they knew. It's useless to speculate on what exactly they knew now. I'm just glad Tunnel Rat is safe, and I'm grateful that she didn't want to bring more heat down on me by meeting up personally. Now, let me tell you a bit about what I've been working on.
A councilwoman by the name of Simmons was recently forced to step down in disgrace after it came out that she was involved with organized crime. The Frost Family had been supplying her security when she was being threatened by another gang... Frankly, it was a whole mess that spiraled into a journalist's dream... and I missed it all!
Anyway, now her seat on the council is up for a special election, and this being Paragon City, such a position comes with more power than your usual city council seat.
The most interesting candidate is the man called Alexander Pavlidis, also known as Alexander the Great. He's a former gang member gone straight. You'll never guess which gang... That's right, the Warriors. Mr. Pavlidis runs a populist platform tough on gang crime, and despite all the controversies around his person and campaign, polling data shows that he is a potential contender. Tunnel Rat telling me to look into him confirms what I already believed: he is dirty.
Character, I'm going to ask you to go to Striga for me, to do some interviews with the locals.
- Accept the request to interview Striga locals
We need to find out more about the 'Port Noble Citizens Brigade'. They are a group who show up at Mr. Pavlidis' rallies to show him support. They claim they are protecting their candidate from violent counter-protestors, but the violence only seems to occur when they are present. Striga citizens aren't even allowed to vote in this election, so what is their real agenda? Here, put on this bodycam so I can watch what happens from now on. I might be able to give you some pointers on where to go and what to say.
Unnecessary Solicitation
Remember to keep your camera running at all times!
Mission Objective(s)
The Council's volcano base may have been destroyed, but Port Noble's docks are still a hotbed of criminal activity and clashing gangs.
- Interview Striga locals
- Speak with the PNCB Leader
- Find Stephanie Peebles
- Speak with Long Jack
- Rescue Old Toby
- Ask Lars about photos
- Lay Low in the Bar
- 3 gang leaders to defeat (optional) (Hero or Rogue)
The Striga locals had nothing good to say about the Port Noble citizens brigade. John Houston requested that you investigate further.
Enemies
Neutral
Notable NPCs
PNCB Brigadier General Greeting
Mission Entrance:
- PNCB Brigadier General: Talk to me before you waltz into that warzone.
Briefing
The Port Noble Civilian Brigadier General looks at you and nods, as if to say 'Yes, that'll work'.
Greetings, Character. You've come at an interesting time in Striga Isle's storied history. We're having a bit of a... domestic event here. Seems that the United States Armed Forces withdrew about as quickly as they showed up, leaving a massive mess of a situation as the Council dissolves and the other gangs attempt to reassert control. Typical.
- Not a fan of the American War Doctrine?
The Brigadier General snorts out a laugh.
On the contrary, I find their rough-and-tumble shoot-first-and-ask-questions-never approach to problem solving to be quite endearing. When, of course, you're not in its way. I can say that it gets results, when you're outside of the storm. But being in the way of the storm? It's rough.
The Brigadier General exhales and focuses his breath.
Apologies, I've been a little under the weather lately, and street warfare doesn't help it much. What business brings you to our beleagured shores?
The Brigadier General whips out a fancy-looking inhaler and takes a pump.
- I'm here for a little tourism, a few drinks. (Lie)
- Well if that's the case, there's always the Mermaid's Tavern. I've never been, but everyone keeps telling me their Pineapple Whip is one of the best drinks they've ever had. They also have the Flamin' Warcry, served in a Council robot cranium, but that's too much for me. You'll find it just northeast of here. Keep your head low and don't engage the gangs, and you should be fine.
- The Brigadier General eyeballs you from top to bottom quickly.
- Unless of course, you're here for trouble... and we don't take kindly to homewreckers. Don't try to 'save' us, Character, some of us take umbrage to being looked at as though we can't save ourselves.
- I'll be fine, and I promise I won't be a pain.
- Fame and glory. Looking to flex on the Family and Warriors. (Rogue)
- The Brigadier General raises an eyebrow.
- Oh, a social influencer are ya? Let's try to keep the majority of your stunts Striga-Positive. I don't need slanderous edited video surfacing on ClikClak because you need a new sponsor. If you want to do me and my people any kindnesses, rooting some of these gangs out would be a great start. Let me mark your map.
- Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. We don't need a hero. Don't try to 'save' us, Character, some of us take umbrage to being looked at as though we can't save ourselves.
- Understood! Make sure the paparazzi knows I'm here!
- The Brigadier General waves you on.
- Go on then, and don't do anything we'll both regret later. Okay?
- I heard there was trouble. I'm here to solve it. (Heroic)
- The Brigadier General raises an eyebrow.
- Oh, a problem-solver eh? Let's try to keep the majority of your solutions to words-only. If you're going to solve any problems for me, there are a few holdouts of concentrated gang activity around here. If you want to do me and my people any kindnesses, rooting these boneheads out would be a great start. Let me mark your map.
- Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. We don't need a hero. Don't try to 'save' us, Character, some of us take umbrage to being looked at as though we can't save ourselves.
- The people of Striga will not live in fear!
- The Brigadier General waves you on.
- Go on then, and don't do anything we'll both regret later. Okay?
Gang Chatter
Before Combat:
- Family Minion: Damn it all... take out the hero!
- Warrior Minion Why are you here? Don't you have more important things to do?
Before Combat:
- Family Minion: Tights! I knew it! Party's over!
- PNCB Minion: Striga doesn't need your help! Striga is for its people!
Before Combat:
- Warrior Minion: First the Americans... then this!
- PNCB Minion: First, we clean these gangs out, then we kick the capes out. Striga is free!
Before Combat:
- Warrior Minion: First the Americans... then this!
- PNCB Minion: We don't want your help! We'll clean these streets ourselves!
Before Combat:
- Family Minion: Damn it all... take out the hero!
- Warrior Minion: Capes are here! Fight them off!
Before Combat:
- Family Minion: Who hired you, the Brigade? That's adorable.
- Warrior Minion: Why are you here? Don't you have more important things to do?
Before Combat:
- Family Minion: Tights! I knew it! Party's over!
- Warrior Minion: Capes are here! Fight them off!
Before Combat:
- PNCB Minion: Let us take back our homeland! No help!
Combat Start:
- Family Boss: Ay, get these jokers outta here!
Gang Leaders
Before Combat:
- Enzo 'Export' Altieri: I ain't gotta tell you how important these here docks are.
Combat Start:
- Enzo 'Export' Altieri: Not now, not today, not ever. Get lost, cape. (Hero)
- Enzo 'Export' Altieri: Bah, now I gotta slap down a fame-hungry moron too?. (Rogue)
Before Combat:
- Titus: Shut up. I hear something coming.
Combat Start:
- Titus: Supers, now? This is madness! (Hero)
- Titus: This is madness! Even celebrity tools are in Striga! (Rogue)
Before Combat:
- Ricky 'Grinder' Scaramanga: This place is in shambles. How we ain't taken over yet?
Combat Start:
- Ricky 'Grinder' Scaramanga: It's the fun police, all the way from Paragon. Get lost, cape! (Hero)
- Ricky 'Grinder' Scaramanga: Paragon's sending their B-List! Git'em! (Rogue)
Stephanie Peebles
On Approach:
- Stephanie Peebles: You don't look like the rest of the riff-raff around here. Come, let us talk.
Briefing
Stephanie looks at you with friendly but untrusting eyes.
Hello, youngster. Are you lost? Don't you know Striga is closed for business? Legitimate business, that is. Oh, it was good for some time. The New Praetorian heroes out of Brickstown took down the Council in a most spectacular fashion, and the U.S. Army was here too, drinking my tavern dry. But now we're almost back to our old ways. The Warriors and Family, like hungry wolves circling each other. Who will strike first? Who will be left bleeding in the gutter? How many innocent civilians will get caught in their struggle? But you're not all that interested in the plight of the common folk, are you? You're somewhat of a wolf yourself.
- What about the citizens brigade?
- Stephanie's eyes narrow, either in disdain or amusement. It's very difficult to determine which it is.
- Speaking of wolves, hm? They are wolves too, in sheeps' clothing. No citizens I know of have joined these 'patriots'. They never come around to have a drink at the tavern, like real locals do. Surely you must have figured it out by now? They are what's left of the Council. Those thugs will never leave Striga. They'll be back. And until they can get reinforcements they hide out in plain sight, looking respectable in a suit and tie. But we can smell a thug a mile away. We smelled you, after all.
- You briefly consider if, between herself and Tunnel Rat, that you actual have an odor about you. You brush it off as a colloquial saying from an old lady.
- Thanks. Who else should I talk to?
- Long Jack knows a thing or two about protecting Port Noble. He's lurking down by the pier. Ask him what he thinks.
- Nice to meet you too. I'm here about the Brigade.
- This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
- Storytime later, Grandma. I need to know about the Brigade.
- This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Stephanie's insight
According to the old witch who owns 'The Mermaid' tavern, the Port Noble Citizens Brigade are nothing less than wolves in sheep's clothing. The Council, dressed up in suits and ties, laying low and waiting for a moment to rise back to power.
Long Jack
On Approach:
- Long Jack: Shhhh! Don't blow my spot!
Briefing
Long Jack snaps his gaze to you once you mention Stephanie Peebles sent you.
Did she now? I guess we must talk then. Did she tell you about the citizens brigade? I think she's right. There's definitely something Council-like about them. Oh they go on and on about protecting Port Noble and throwing out the smugglers and the organized crime, but all they really seem to be protecting is this particular building. I'm fairly sure that's their headquarters. Now why would they need such a huge warehouse to run a simple neighborhood watch? That's what I've been trying to find out. Stop bothering me now, you'll give away my position.
- Tell me who else I can bother, then?
Have a word with Old Toby. He's helping out at the field hospital these days.
- Brief and to the point? I can respect that.
Long Jack's dismissal
Before he sent you packing, Long Jack pointed out a certain warehouse as the potential headquarters of the Port Noble Citizens Brigade. All their activities seemed focused around the unusually large building. It could be worth looking into.
Tobias 'Old Toby' Hansen
Before Combat:
- Luigi 'Left Hook' Sanzari: We know them Brigadiers work for ya, Toby! Call 'em off!
Combat Start:
- Tobias 'Old Toby' Hansen: Somebody, help me!
- Joey 'Gabbagol' Galtieri: Ay, oh, ayyy! Mannaggia! Whaddya got here? Some deficiente buttin' in!
Rescued:
- Tobias 'Old Toby' Hansen: I thought capes were done with Striga once the Council imploded.
Briefing
Old Toby wipes the sweat from his brow as the Family goons retreat into the distance. You offer him a hand to his feet.
Thank you, I was about to break one of my vows over their heads. I'm a peaceful man, I would hate to have to resort to violence. Are you a hero, here to fight the Council? If so, you're too late. They're all gone. But true evil never dies, it seems, and no evil is more true than the Council. See that field hospital just over there? We take in anyone - Warrior, Family, the odd hero. We don't care about what side they are on. So I hear things, and I see things, and our patients talk. Maybe I know something you need to hear.
- What were those Family goons talking about?
One of their men ended up on a stretcher here for a while. A Warrior had carved him up, and he had lost a lot of blood. He was delirious and kept talking about some money, and how he had to get back to tell the others, or warn them. It seems the Family and Warriors had a logistics problem while the U.S. Army and Navy were all over the island, and now their stash-houses are bursting with ill-gotten gains that needs to be shipped out. That's why they are all so nervous and at each others' throats.
- And this Brigade isn't making it easier, I'd wager.
We don't see too many of those Brigadiers but now and then one of their thugs will end up in one of our beds. It probably breaks all kinds of hippocratic oaths if I tell you, but fortunately I'm not a doctor. I've seen what some of them are hiding under those well-ironed shirts - tattoos.
Tobias pauses for a moment to see if that registers with you.
Let me tell you, no respectable Port Noble citizen would be caught dead with such filth on their skin. But we patch them up and send them on their way. We don't care what side they are on. Not officially at least. That's all the oath-breaking I'm prepared to do for one evening. You best be off, unless you need medical attention.
- Who else might know something?
Find my brother, Lars. He's usually somewhere up high, getting the big picture.
- Thanks, I'll do just that.
Toby's Interrogation
'Old Toby' was having some trouble with the Family when you found him. He all but confirmed that the Brigade members he had patched up in that makeshift hospital all seemed to be sporting some questionable tattoos affirming their allegiance to outdated political views. But more importantly to you, he revealed that the Family and the Warriors both have had some logistics problems recently. Specifically their coffers are brimming with ill-gotten gains that they haven't been able to transport off of the island during the US navy's visit, which is why both gangs are all up in each others business and more twitchy than usual.
Lars Hansen
On Approach:
- Lars Hansen: You must be very committed to come up here just to talk to me.
Briefing
Lars relaxes a bit when you tell him that Toby said he might have caught some rare birds on film.
I see a lot of things. In the air. On the water. Under the water. There's a lot of people coming and going at that warehouse down there. The big one the so called citizens brigade are guarding so ferociously. Very interesting people.
- Just how interesting are we talking?
- Lars nods in understanding.
- Does the name Burkholder ring a bell? Archon Burkholder, a Council bigshot. I would recognize his face anywhere, even if he was hiding his cybernetic claw. I saw him land over at the old Sky Raider air strip, and take a car to the warehouse.
- He didn't come alone, but he had just a single guard with him. Quite unusual. They went inside, but when Burkholder left the next morning, it was with another man. Small mousy scientist type. They boarded a submarine and took off with the tide.
- Lars shows some pictures on his digital camera, and John audibly gasps in your ear.
- One second, Lars. My benefactor just yelped in my ear.
- Houston: That is Dr. Arvin, another refugee from Praetoria. He helped my sister once with a delicate problem. But what is he doing here, working with the brigade? And Burkholder? You are going to have to take a closer look at that warehouse, Character. Finish your interviews and then give me a call.
- You turn your attention back to Lars.
- That warehouse across the bay?
- Lars marks the warehouse location on your map.
- Thanks for the help, Lars.
- This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
- Council-level interesting?
- This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Lars' Reconnaissance
You met Lars Hansen up on a roof, 'birdwatching' as he called it. The pictures he was taking were far more interesting than the local wildlife, unless that wildlife includes dignitaries like Archon Burkholder. His surveillance of the warehouse the Port Noble Citizens Brigade were guarding had let him spot Burkholder coming and going, and when he left it was with Dr. Arvin, another Praetorian refugee John recognized. John's curiosity was peaked, and he asked you to stay on Striga to take a look inside that warehouse.
Debriefing
You pulled back to the Mermaid Tavern to shake loose some of the attention you had drawn during your brief visit to Port Noble. Ms. Peebles was as congenial as ever, albeit a bit standoffish. Considering her usual clientele she shouldn't be turning her nose up at you like that, especially if she wanted you to do something about the so-called 'citizens brigade'. Regardless, the clam chowder was excellent, and the bootleg booze she served up with it must have fallen off some Crey executive's yacht because it was top shelf stuff. Unfortunately reality came calling all too soon, in the form of John Houston's well modulated voice in your ear.
